There is uncertainty in the political system of Osun State as unfounded rumours began making the rounds again on the purported defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The current state of confusion is coming as both political parties prepare for the August 8, 2026 governorship election in the state.
The PDP spokesperson, Oladele Bamiji, in a chat with DAILY POST on Friday debunked the rumour as mere street talk.
He said, “I have debunked this information on many occasions. Ademola Adeleke is not decamping to any political party.
“Governor Adeleke is not a small fry that will do such a thing in secret if it is true. As at today, he is still in the PDP and he has not decamped to any political party,” he stated.
Bamiji revealed that Governor Adeleke had reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP.
Meanwhile, the Osun APC has restated that Governor Adeleke is not welcomed and will not be joining the party.
Restating its stance, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru on Wednesday while addressing journalists at a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Zone B, said, “Adeleke is not joining our party. I know that as of today, decamping is not on board.
“Although APC is a beautiful bride for anybody that wants to join, I must say here that as a party man and an established politician, I would say that I am one of the people that is extremely loyal to Mr President.”
Governor Adeleke and the Osun PDP have severally debunked widespread rumours suggesting he is set to defect to the APC.
On Thursday, fresh defection rumours hit major towns within the state and this sparked tensed debates among the supporters of the governor and those loyal to Adeleke’s predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who is the leader of the APC in Osun State.
DAILY POST gathered that many of these rumour mongers have been sharing the pictures of the recent visit by Adeleke, alongside his older brother, Deji Adeleke and Musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, to President Bola Tinubu.
They claimed that the defection plan was sealed during the meeting and that it was an agreement for Adeleke to join APC, complete his second term and then reciprocate by supporting the second second term agenda of Tinubu in 2027.
Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in denying the reports in a statement on Thursday described the defection claims as false, unfounded, and politically motivated.
Olawale urged the public to disregard the rumour as fake news.
He said Governor Adeleke noted with concern the widespread rumour and has reassured his supporters and admirers that he remains a member of the PDP and the leader of the party in the state.
“I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party,” Olawale said Governor Adeleke had said.
He disclosed that the governor reiterated his commitment to implementing his administration’s five-point agenda, promising to intensify efforts in delivering good governance and democratic dividends to the people of Osun State.